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World Soy Foundation Farmer Leader Feature: Randy Van Kooten, Iowa

Apr 10, 2014

RandyVanKootenRandy Van Kooten is a well-known name throughout not only his home state of Iowa, but across the entire soy family. As former president of the Iowa Soybean Association, current board member for the World Soy Foundation (WSF) and active committee member for the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH), Van Kooten has grown to be a leader in the industry.

Randy recognizes the importance of increasing the ability farmers have to feed a fast-growing population and also helping to reduce malnutrition in developing countries. He has participated in WSF Farmer Travel to countries the Foundation has worked in—seeing firsthand the poverty and malnourishment.

“I got involved with the WSF because I know the role soy can play in providing nourishment.,” Randy said. “Helping others makes you feel good about your profession and being a soybean farmer.”

Most notably, Randy was invited to speak at a Farm Journal Forum titled “Modernizing Agriculture in the Developing World” in Washington, D.C. in 2012. The panel also included members from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, University of Illinois and Chicago Council on Global Affairs for discussion on modern agriculture’s ability to feed the world. WSFDonate

Randy’s support and dedication to the World Soy Foundation helped the Foundation meet record fundraising goals in the month of January with support from more than  174 farmers and individuals! This support allows the Foundation to continue doing even more great work in the future to reduce malnutrition through the power of soy!

Click here to check out a video of Randy here participating in the Foundation’s “Why I Support” series!

To join and accept the Challenge, simply calculate the value of an acre of soybeans in your operation (yield multiplied by price) and give the gift of protein today!

Make your donation by visiting www.worldsoyfoundation.org or sending your check to: World Soy Foundation; 12125 Woodcrest Executive Drive, Suite 100; St. Louis, Mo. 63141.

Stay Connected!  Visit us at www.worldsoyfoundation.org, or on Twitter (@TheWSF), Facebook and YouTube!

The World Soy Foundation is a 501c3 charitable organization. Your gift is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.